Guided Wave Ultrasonic (GUL) Inspection

Guided Wave Ultrasonic method, also known as Long Range UT is used to inspect 100% of a pipe segment from one location.It’s primary application is within the Oil and Gas Refining, Petrochemical, Storage, Offshore and Pipeline Transportation industries used to inspect difficult to access piping systems.

Guided waves are induced into the pipe body and propagated along the pipe segment being inspected. Upon identifying an anomaly or pipe feature, the mode converted flexural waves reflect to the original tool position. The time-of-flight is used to calculate the distance from the tool, while the amplitude is related to the cross sectional area. Then the circumferential extent determined by the focused beams provides the information to determine the significance of the defect.

Advantages

Unlike traditional inspection methods that provide value, GUL promotes condition based inspection programs aimed at supporting mechanical integrity and preventive maintenance programs. For the same reason, many have chosen to inspect their piping systems using GUL Inspection. The benefits include:

• Large sections of piping can be inspected rapidly and safely often with no scaffolding.
• Minimal insulation removal for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) inspections.
• Localized damage can be pinpointed and characterized as to length and depth.
• An excellent tool for cased crossings and unpiggable pipe.
• Point of contact corrosion can be found without moving the pipe, avoiding potential leaks.

The GUL rings and its laptop are extremely portable, which enables Global Remote crew to inspect most difficult to access areas through rope access very easily, thereby considerably reducing inspection time and cost.